Volunteers needed to help with Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale’s South Antelope Valley Emergency Services (SAVES) food and shelter program is seeking volunteers to help with the collection and sorting of foodstuffs gathered by the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, coming this Saturday, May 10.

“Volunteers are needed on the day of collections to help weigh and sort the donated items for SAVES to distribute it,” said SAVES Coordinator Patricia Morales. “Bring a team of volunteers and help support the effort!”

There will be two shifts: 2:30 to 5 pm and from 5 to 7 pm, both at SAVES, 1002 East Ave Q-12, in Palmdale.

Volunteers must wear closed toe shoes and will be required to sign a liability form. Children ages 6 to 14 are welcome to participate, but must be accompanied by an adult.

“SAVES is proud to be part of the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive,” Morales said. “This annual drive has resulted in the delivery of more than one billion pounds of donations to community food banks and pantries over the past 20 years.”

On Saturday, May 10, Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day, residents of communities all across the nation are asked to put non-perishable food items by their mailboxes for the letter carriers to pick up.

“Last year, over 42,000 pounds of food was collected, and it helped support the work [for] SAVES for 3.5 months,” added Morales. “Each month, SAVES provides between 1,100 to 1,300 food orders, which is an average of 8,000 to 12,000 pounds of food per month.”

For more information on how you can volunteer or donate food, contact SAVES Coordinator Patricia Morales at 661-267-5296 or email pmorales@cityofpalmdale.org.

About SAVES

The City of Palmdale’s SAVES program has served people in need since 1983. During the 2012/2013 fiscal year, SAVES was able to provide 67,704 meals to families, 18,333 meals to seniors, and 2,680 units of bread and bakery. In addition, during the 2013 Holiday season, SAVES provided 230 Thanksgiving baskets, 280 holiday baskets and 348 toys to children.

For more information, call SAVES Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, at 661-267-5191.